{"id":30031,"date":"2025-10-01T16:17:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T16:17:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/?p=30031"},"modified":"2025-10-01T16:17:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T16:17:39","slug":"cu-anschutz-uncovers-new-treatment-method-for-alcohol-use-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/cu-anschutz-uncovers-new-treatment-method-for-alcohol-use-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"CU Anschutz Uncovers New Treatment Method for Alcohol Use Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-blockquote uagb-block-e7eb3fc3 uagb-blockquote__skin-border uagb-blockquote__stack-img-none\"><blockquote class=\"uagb-blockquote\"><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__content\">Scientists from the CU Anschutz School of Medicine have identified a new method to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), using a drug that boosts dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, potentially offering a novel approach to managing the condition.<\/div><footer><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__author-wrap uagb-blockquote__author-at-left\"><\/div><\/footer><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0dfbf163 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-size:16px;\" class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\">The University Network<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share uagb-social-share__outer-wrap uagb-social-share__layout-horizontal uagb-block-ee584a31\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-ec619ce7\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.8 90.69 226.4 209.3 245V327.7h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.3 482.4 504 379.8 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-32d99934\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"twitter\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-1d136f14\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"linkedin\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine have identified a new approach to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). The innovative method could revolutionize how AUD is managed, offering new hope to millions struggling with addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, AUD treatments function primarily in two ways: by reducing the euphoria associated with alcohol consumption or by lessening the cravings for alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThose are important things for alcohol and substance use disorders \u2014 reducing how good the drug makes you feel or how much you want to use it,\u201d corresponding author Joseph Schacht, an associate professor of psychiatry at CU Anschutz, said in a news release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Schacht and his colleague Drew Winters, a research associate in the CU Anschutz\u00a0Department of Psychiatry,\u00a0hypothesized that targeting a different part of the brain could yield another effective treatment avenue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their research, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S245190222500196X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">published<\/a> in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, tested this theory with promising results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focus on the Prefrontal Cortex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe current medications for AUD target the neurotransmitter dopamine in the reward-related parts of the brain,\u201d Schacht added. \u201cBut we were interested in understanding how dopamine might act in a different part of the brain \u2014 the prefrontal cortex \u2014 and how its action there might affect a different behavior, which is behavioral control.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By focusing on the prefrontal cortex \u2014 the brain region associated with decision-making and impulse control \u2014 the researchers aimed to improve behavioral control in individuals with AUD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They turned to tolcapone, an FDA-approved drug initially designed for Parkinson\u2019s disease, which increases dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promising Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the randomized study, participants with AUD were given tolcapone or a placebo before performing a computer-based &#8220;stop signal task.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This test required them to stop a particular action when signaled, assessing their impulse control capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remarkably, those who took tolcapone performed better on the task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou have a greater number of trials where you just press the space bar,\u201d added Winters. \u201cYou&#8217;re already primed to hit the space bar, then when a different signal comes up, you have to stop yourself and not press anything. We were measuring if they can stop, and we also want to see, when they make an error, are they making corrections afterward?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MRI scans showed increased activation in the prefrontal cortex during the task, corroborating the belief that tolcapone enhances dopamine levels in this brain region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, participants reported drinking less alcohol in the week they were on the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGreater prefrontal cortex activation was associated with less drinking during that week, suggesting that the mechanism of increased control was having an effect on their behavior in the real world,&#8221; Schacht added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt was very gratifying to see that this medication is working in the ways that we expected it to, and that there were actually changes in the brain that associate with behavior,\u201d added Winters. \u201cThat connection is really important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While tolcapone has been phased out for Parkinson\u2019s treatment, the findings open the door for developing new drugs that operate similarly to treat AUD and other substance use disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schacht, who has also <a href=\"https:\/\/news.cuanschutz.edu\/medicine\/cu-researcher-studying-effects-of-glp-1-drugs-on-alcohol-addiction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">researched the effects of GLP-1 agonist drugs<\/a> like Ozempic on AUD, is now exploring tolcapone&#8217;s impact on patients with both AUD and attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThose patients are the ones who might especially benefit from being able to control their behavior more,\u201d he said. \u201cBecause they have not only AUD, which is impairing the \u2018brakes,\u2019 but also this disorder related to difficulties with controlling impulsivity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The breakthrough provides a hopeful avenue for future treatments, potentially transforming the landscape of addiction therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> \u201cI&#8217;ve worked in AUD medication development for a long time, and I\u2019ve tested many medications with different mechanisms of action,\u201d Schacht added. \u201cIt was very fulfilling to see that one that works in a different way could also be effective. It suggests that we might be able to broaden the space for what medications might be useful in this condition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:14px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/news.cuanschutz.edu\/medicine\/tolcapone-alcohol-use-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine have identified a new approach to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). The innovative method could revolutionize how AUD is managed, offering new hope to millions struggling with addiction. Currently, AUD treatments function primarily in two ways: by reducing the euphoria associated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-no-separators","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,25],"tags":[465],"class_list":["post-30031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health","category-science","tag-university-of-colorado-anschutz-school-of-medicine"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"The University Network","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/author\/funky_junkie\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine have identified a new approach to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). The innovative method could revolutionize how AUD is managed, offering new hope to millions struggling with addiction. Currently, AUD treatments function primarily in two ways: by reducing the euphoria associated&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30031","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30031"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30031\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30058,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30031\/revisions\/30058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30031"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30031"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}